March 16, 2026 — The smell of fried cod wafts into the parking lot of the German Family Society, just outside of Akron, Ohio. Just 15 minutes after doors opened, there are easily 200 butts in seats, and the line for fried cod, German potatoes, and coleslaw stretches to the door.
Fish fries happen this time of year because Christians who observe Lent eat fish on Fridays instead of meat. But for some of this crowd, religion has nothing to do with it.
“We love the fact that fish is available for that month or five weeks,” said David Matrone.
He and his wife, Kristy Rivera, aren’t religious. But they heard about this fish fry from a friend and decided to try it out.
”We just love the demeanor here. It’s just warm and very welcoming. So we came back. This is our second year,” she said.
The price they paid for dinner helps fund uniforms and travel for youth dance groups. So there are children wearing aprons, serving up food and cleaning tables.